How to install roof rack crossbars

Great information! I always get frustrated when taking plastic parts off with hidden connectors......9 times out of ten, i break a tab off! When i ordered my runner I told them i didnt want the crossbars. If it doesnt fit inside, then i take my pickup truck! I kinda wish i had them now.....need a place to mount a whip flag so i can go to the sand dunes.
 
Mine did not come with a plastic tool either, but I used one of those paint can lid removal tools that doubles as a bottle opener. Great write-up on how install! Thank you.
 
Limited rails for sale.

I took my OEM rails off since I have the Gobi rack now. So without hijacking the thread of the OP, I have the rails, etc from a 2010 Limited for sale.

Silver end caps, chrome rails, all mounting hardware/seals etc; $100 + shipping/packaging. If near Indianapolis we can pick a spot and save on shipping hassle/expense.

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They have never been used (nothing loaded on the roof) and were on the car for 7000 miles.

Any other pics can be taken upon request. feel free to PM any questions.

Okki.
 
What's in the box?

Whew! It's good to finally get some information about installing the roofrack crossbars (that Santa brought me)! I've been getting nothing but blank stares and good intentions from the parts folks at my dealership.
The package I got included nothing but the two crossbars - no instructions. Is there anything else that should have been in the box?

Thanks!
 
Got my crossbars on!

Thanks for the help, all. My problem turned out to be my dealership selling me the wrong part; there's a Part #278-89102 that's ONLY the replacement crossbars, no mounting hardware and that's what I originally got (there was actually a little more confusion here, but I never got it completely straight so I won't try to explain it...). The main benefit from this forum was specific directions for removing the rear covers on the factory siderails. That was a little tricky without the Mystery Tool, but I made do with a plastic puttyknife and a windshield scraper.
 
i hope i don't get flamed for this, but how do you use the roof rack system on the 4runner. i've never owned an suv before to know how to mount things up there
 
i hope i don't get flamed for this, but how do you use the roof rack system on the 4runner. i've never owned an suv before to know how to mount things up there

if you have cross bars installed you can mount a variety of different things onto the roof rack.

you can get yourself a variety of accessories such as cargo boxes, snowboard/ski carriers, bike carriers, etc made by thule or yakima.

these will usually have a "universal" mount system which should allow you to mount them to the 4runner factory crossbars.

if you have other questions feel free to ask :driving:
 
Excellent Tips!

Thanks for the install directions, guys! I downloaded the TRDSparks.com instructions but found these posts much more informative. Installed my crossbars in 15 min. and was very careful not to crack/scratch anything. I used a Craftsman mini-prybar to lift off the caps. The tip about pulling the cap to the outside and then prying made all the difference.

Just got an '11 LTD in Silver Metalic with 16K on it to replace my '03 LTD that was wiped out by an oak tree. LOVE IT! Just installed the bug/wind deflector, too.
 
bike tire levers

hi all - good thread. helped considerably, especially knowing to be careful so as not to break off the tabs.

my suggestion: BIKE TIRE LEVERS.

Anyone who's ever changed a tire on their own bicycle will appreciate that they:

1. Are plastic (won't scratch)
2. Come in 3's, which allows you to pry from several locations at once. I used two.

With bike tire levers the whole thing took 10 minutes, and no damage done.

Cheerio
 
Do these cross bars sit higher than the shark fin antenna on the roof? The antenna is a little higher than the roof rails, and I was wondering how much height these cross bars add.
 
The cross bars are just slightly taller than the shark fin. When I put my cargo box on them the box just barely touches the fin.
 
:gun6:

The industrial designer who made those plastic caps should be shot! I should have let the dealer do it as it was part of the purchase but they just came back in stock and I though I might need them before I could afford the time to drop my rig off for a few hours. Silly me was in the neighborhood and grabbed them because, I mean, how hard could it be.

After reading over the instructions and this thread I armed myself with a nylon gsi camping spoon as pry tool (they work well and don't scratch) and a torx allen key. It is a perfect evening, well over 25C and in the sun so all was nice and flexible.

The outside tabs let go not too bad with a little teasing once I got the position right. But this press and rock to unhook the back is BS. There is only about a few, very shallow degrees of rotation you can use before you have gone too far and start to dig in. Let it slip and, snap, the fronts are back in. :flamethrwoer2:. One I got in about 3 minutes, the other must have taken 10. The inside tabs should really be some sort of reverse arc that hinges off of the metal notches. They are really made to go in easily and hold; but not come off easily. I didn't break anything as I've played with stuff like this for 30 years but this is one of the worst. I'm sure the techs either develop the feel for these or just write off the caps. I'd note the instructions helpfully give the part numbers. I wouldn't be surprised if they break 1 in 4. I wouldn't even think of doing this in cooler weather unless you have a few dozen under your belt.

Anyhow all done and time for :beer:.
 
Thank you to all the previous posters for the great info! I tried the putty knife and screwdrivers and brute strength but I finally got success using a pair of dinner knives to get those darn caps off!
 
Piece of cake

When I opened the box with no instructions I said to myself crap!
I found your tips and 15 minutes later it's installed. Sure beats the $180 the Dealership wanted for installation. Thanks guys!
 

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